Where Did My Financial Self-Esteem Go? (Part 2)

Melinda Belle
Sep 23, 2021
2 min read

Have you ever felt you weren't confident enough to take care of your financial affairs?

After a loss, especially?

I have.

Picture it, there were two people journeying together, then there was one.

There was a two income household, then there was one.

Is it too late for me?

Where do I go from here?

Will I be able to accomplish any financial goals?

I wondered.

My marriage ended and these thoughts plagued my mind.

Mapping out my financial journey has been a process. (And I am still growing through it).

The steps I'm taking to rebuild my financial self-esteem are:

Forgiving myself: The way to move forward is to close the door to my past. Believe me there are lots of what ifs that come at me, but that chapter of my life is completed. If keep rereading it, I won't be able read what's in the next chapter.
Celebrate the small wins: To date, I've paid down approximately (9.5 K US in debt). I still have a ways to go, but that's worth of a celebration. Every time I land a new client, that's worthy of a celebration. Every time I bring food from home for lunch, that's still worthy of a celebration. These tiny steps serve as fuel for my money journey ahead.
Create financial goals: I need to plot how I'm going to walk this new life (second chance) I have been given. It's going to require me take strategic action, one step at a time. In case you're wondering how I go about it. I categorise my goals in the short term (one year or less), the intermediate term (two to five years) and the long term (six years and over).
Invest in my development Investing in my development personally will help me diversify my income. I can't rely on one source to sustain me. In order to achieve the financial security I desire, this is the way to go. By the way, I got accepted into University.
Invest in my self care: I didn't realise how much this would revolutionise my overall well being. Taking time to rest and relax without feeling guilty for taking a break. Eating healthily. Working out regularly. And most importantly, going to counseling has been beneficial.